Commission orders 30‑day securing and 90‑day demolition window for fire‑damaged house at 3126 Finley

The Building and Standards Commission on May 29 ordered immediate securing of the property at 3126 Finley within 30 days and set a 90‑day timetable for demolition or rehabilitation after staff presented evidence of fire damage and structural collapse.

Inspector Catherine Fuentes said the single‑family dwelling, built about 1916 of stucco‑covered adobe and wood with roughly 1,134 square feet of living area, had experienced a fire on Feb. 22, 2025 and exhibited a collapsed exterior wall, holes in the roof emitting light, and interior ceiling collapse. The inspector reported multiple prior property maintenance and code enforcement cases and a fire investigation; the narrative stated certified notices were mailed in January and hearing notices mailed May 12.

The department recommended demolition within 30 days, revocation of the certificate of occupancy, securing the property and cleaning the premises. Raymundo Limas, who said he represents his deceased father Antonio Lima Sr., told the commission he and remaining relatives hoped to save the property but that probate, difficulty locating heirs and lack of authorization letters had hindered action. He said relatives had told him they wanted nothing to do with the property because of taxes and fines.

Staff explained demolition permits require proof of ownership or a written authorization from an owner; staff also said homeowner demolition permits are issued only to the homestead owner, so a contractor would need to obtain a demolition permit for a non‑homestead property. Staff advised Limas to consult a probate attorney to resolve title and authorization issues and offered to provide the commission order once signed to assist in outreach to relatives.

Commissioners discussed security and the feasibility of temporary boarding; the inspector cautioned that the remaining walls and materials could make boarding hazardous but said securing openings should be prioritized. A motion to amend the staff recommendation was made to require securing the property within 30 days and to give 90 days for demolition; the motion passed by voice vote.

Staff will provide the family with contact information and a copy of the signed order; the commission noted there were no active tax suits pending on the property per the inspector's statement. If the property is not secured and the owner or an authorized representative does not act, the city may demolish the structure and place a lien for costs.